The story: Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has appointed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud (MbS) as prime minister, a post historically held by the ruling monarch. The move, which comes as part of a wider cabinet reshuffle, confirms the growing power of MbS amid the transfer of further responsibilities from the King to his son.

The coverage: The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on Sept. 27 published a decree by King Salman that declared MbS as prime minister and rearranged the cabinet, known as the Council of Ministers.  

• The decree noted that MbS’s role as premier is an exception to Article 56 of the Saudi Basic Law of Governance, which stipulates that the position is held by the ruling monarch. King Salman...